Friday
Lack of special schools in DfE hubs ‘is an act of self-harm’
Sector leaders voice concerns that the government’s first wave of behaviour and attendance hubs includes only mainstream settings
Most pupils in poverty missing out on free school meals
Free school meals eligibility is ‘no longer fit for purpose’ as a measure of pupil deprivation, EPI report warns
Thursday
DfE to encourage AI tutors in schools
But England’s largest education union warns against ‘tutoring on a shoestring’ and says many disadvantaged students need direct contact with teachers
School leaders added to DfE inclusion group
Expert advisers will now look at how the government’s inclusion drive tallies with curriculum and Ofsted reform
Schools across Northern Ireland in ‘state of disrepair’
‘Unsafe’ school sites in Northern Ireland could lead to a bill of up to £800 million, according to Stormont Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee
SEND: Pupils ‘have greater sense of belonging’ in special schools
Sutton Trust research reveals the challenges that the government is facing in its drive to make mainstream schools more inclusive
Wednesday
Government sets 90% phonics check target
A mandatory reading test for Year 8 students will also be introduced by the end of this parliament, Bridget Phillipson confirms
Johnson and Treasury ‘gave different messages’ on Covid school recovery
Top official also tells the Covid inquiry of concerns about the DfE’s current ability – in the event of another pandemic – to identify which pupils have digital devices for remote learning
How Martyn’s Law will affect schools - and why leaders should act now
Schools will already fulfil many of the requirements of new anti-terrorism legislation for public premises but there are still important new duties to consider, says Professor Michael Green
Tuesday
3 in 4 teachers warn misogyny is a big problem in schools
Headteachers’ leaders call for more support and guidance to tackle misogyny in schools as new research suggests it is a growing issue
Williamson admits ‘many mistakes’ made in DfE Covid response
Former education secretary criticises Boris Johnson for giving ‘false hope’ in spring 2020 that schools would reopen
The DfE must reverse its decision to cut IB funding
Withdrawing funding for the International Baccalaureate in state schools will have a big negative impact of students for the sake of a small saving, warns this education leader
